Report before you fix

Have you already tried to report the problem?

If not, click here to learn how to report it.

Already reported and still no luck?

Click here to escalate the issue to your ward councillor.

Communities acting together can make things happen. Click here to discover how.

Still no success? The info below will help you fix it yourself.

DISCLAIMER: Check with your local authority on legal ways to fix problems yourself. Fixlocal cannot take responsibility for any problems that may arise in fixing it yourself.

Why community playgrounds matter

Playgrounds are important for kids' growth. They give a place for exercise, making friends, and learning. In some areas, it's hard to keep playgrounds nice because there aren't enough resources and the government is slow to help. But community efforts can make these spaces safer and more fun.

Steps to fix a playground

1. Check the playground

Start by looking at the playground to find any safety problems. Look for broken equipment, rusted metal parts, splintered wood, sharp edges, unstable seating, and worn-out safety surfaces. Make a list of these problems. This list will help you decide what to fix first and tell the local government about the playground's condition to get them to help.

2. Gather your resources

In areas with limited resources, communities can work together to get materials and tools. Ask local businesses for help or discounts, use social media to raise money, ask the government for support, and recycle or reuse materials.

3. Get a team together

Invite people from the community to help, like parents, young people, and those who can fix things. Involving the community speeds up the repair process and builds a sense of ownership and responsibility for the playground.

4. Do basic repairs

With your team and resources ready, do the following repairs:

• Fixing broken equipment: Fix or replace broken parts. If you can't get new parts, use strong rope or wire to hold loose parts together for now. If the equipment was welded, it will need to be welded again.
• Rust removal: Remove rust from metal surfaces using sandpaper or a wire brush, then apply a rust-resistant primer and paint.
• Wood treatment: Sand down rough or splintered wood and apply a wood sealant or paint to protect against weather damage.
• Safety surface repair: Make sure safety surfaces like rubber mats are even and replace or repair damaged sections. If using sand, make sure it is clean and deep enough for cushioning.

5. Ideas to make the playground safer

• Install fencing: Think about adding a fence to keep children safe from nearby roads.
• Improve visibility: Cut back overgrown bushes or trees so parents and caretakers can see better.
• Signage: Put up or update signs with playground rules and emergency contact details.

6. Involve the community

Get the community involved to keep the playground nice. Organise regular clean-up days, make a schedule for maintenance, and set up a neighbourhood watch or involve local security.

By being active and involving the community, you can keep the playground safe and fun for children, even if there is not much money to do so.

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.